Lymphatics of the trunk, illustration

Lymphatics of the trunk, illustration. In life most lymphatic vessels (lymphatics) are too small to be visible; the thoracic duct and some larger vessels can be seen. From below, superficial and deep inguinal lymphatics and lymph nodes are shown. Lymph from the testes drain deep into the abdomen. Intestinal lymphatics drain through lymph nodes in the mesentery and with the lymphatics of the liver and gall bladder, drain to celiac lymph nodes. In turn lymph then passes into the thoracic duct shown as a white tube near the aorta. Lymphatics and some nodes are seen in the intercostal spaces of the ribs. The thoracic duct empties into the left subclavian vein (blue) which passes to the superior vena cava. Lymphatics of the heart drain to both left and right subclavian veins. From Lizars, J. 1823 A system of anatomical plates of the human body. W. H.Lizars, Edinburgh., by MICROSCAPE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY